Glorify

John 21:19 (NIV)

Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.

There are many natural things we do in this life that will never glorify God. For something to glorify God, it has to transcend this life and extend to all eternity. The only thing in this life that extends to all eternity is the soul that is redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. The natural life is not sinful and should not be condemned. But it is not something that glorifies God, as flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). When we eat and drink, we do so by giving thanks to God, as anything that is not done by faith is sin (Romans 14:23). However, our eating and drinking neither glorifies God nor honors Him. For the kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but love, joy, peace and righteousness in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Similarly, sex in marriage is not sin (1 Corinthians 7:28). But it is not a wonderful gift from God nor does it glorify God as it is by far better for a man or woman to remain celibate (Matthew 19:10-13, 1 Corinthians 7). Churches universally condemn divorce and remarriage, multiple failed marriages or polygamy as immoral, while exalting monogamy as virtuous, while in fact the only lifestyle which truly exalts God is a life of holy celibacy of never being married but totally devoted to God (Matthew 19:12). We know a celibate lifestyle is a greater good that pleases God as there is neither sex nor marriage in heaven (Matthew 22:30). Similarly, babies produced through reproduction don't necessarily glorify God unless they become godly offspring (Malachi 2:15). A saint will not glorify God more if they have more children, but only if they live a life sold out to God and utterly devoted to His kingdom. The Church, down through the ages, has taught that a man or woman ought to marry and manage their family. That will certainly keep them from sin (1 Timothy 5:14), but it does not glorify God, as only a life of holy celibacy, totally committed to God, advances His kingdom. The natural life is not sin, but unlike what the mainstream Church teaches, it does not glorify God nor will it inherit the kingdom of God. There are a lot of many such beliefs in mainstream Christianity that neither glorify nor honor God, but are manmade constructs and believers should study the Bible and follow the Master personally to discern for themselves.